Manchester University researcher receives grant to look into synthetic drugs called ‘bath salts’

lesquivel@news-sentinel.com

Diane Calinski, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacogenomics at Manchester University, received a grant to look into synthetic drugs known as "bath salts." (Photo courtesy of Manchester University)

A Manchester University assistant professor has received a $10,000 grant to research the metabolism of synthetic drugs commonly known as “bath salts.”

Synthetic cathinones, which are commonly referred to as “bath salts,” have become popular drugs in the last decade. They are similar to the popular club drug Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly). Users typically swallow, snort or inject them.

Diane Calinski received the New Investigator Award, sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, which provides money for the independent research programs of early-career pharmacy faculty, according to a university news release.

Calinski, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacogenomics at Manchester, received the grant for the “Evaluation of Cytochrome P450-Mediated Metabolism of the Synthetic Cathinones.” She will also receive a $1,000 travel award from AACP to present her research findings at its annual meeting in Chicago next summer.

Calinksi was instrumental in establishing the master of pharmacogenomics program at Manchester, according to the release.

Calinski joined the pharmacy program in July 2013. She earned a Ph.D. in pharmacology at the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at Pennsylvania State University.